Retailers urged to 'keep up' with staff challenges

A new group representing Mackay retailers says the industry faces huge challenges in attracting and maintaining staff.

Retail Connect chairwoman Jill Grant says they will need 2,500 new staff members between now and 2015.

She says there are a number of ways to attract employees.

"Through outlets that we can establish a want for a career in retail," she said.

"So going right through from school age children and offering school-based apprenticeships or just educating children at school on how they can go about obtaining a career in retail and where a career in retail can take you.

"Our industry is going to need over 2,500 staff between now and 2015, we've got over $600 million worth of development happening in Mackay region alone.

"It's such a growth area that the mining industry is booming but also retail industry has to keep up with that.

"We're the second biggest employer in Mackay."

Retail Connect is hosting a forum in Mackay tonight that will give local retailers access to national experts.